Higher Professional Education and Vocational Training based on

Dual Educational Model: A Stable Factor in Differentiating Young

People Position in the Labor Market

Ekaterina V. Kosharskaya

, Ekaterina S. Lapshova

and Svetlana G. Menshenina

Samara National Research University, Samara, Russia

Samara State Technical University, Samara, Russia

Keywords: Higher Professional Education, Vocational Training, Dual Educational Model, Young People, Labor Market.

Abstract: This article examines the position of young people in the labor market. The role of higher professional

education, vocational training, educational policy and duel educational model is examined. The purpose is to

analyze higher professional education systems in different countries, which makes a significant contribution

to clarify the model of training and young people employment. Firstly, we emphasize the role of demographic

factors, economic growth and labor market institutions to explain young people integration into the labor

market. Secondly, we assess the differences in the organization and functioning of higher education and

training policies in some countries as a stable factor in differentiating young people position in the labor

market. Finally, we examine the application of duel educational model in higher education institutions in

Samara region. The research methods are theoretical, empirical, statistical ones and etc. The results are the

following: higher education systems should combine educational frameworks and quality standards with the

experience of the economic sectors to adapt the higher education system to the needs of the labor market; duel

educational model is a stable factor in young people integration into the labour market.

1 INTRODUCTION

Integration into the labour market is a serious

problem to young people in many countries all over

the world. In general, young people are less

vulnerable than older employees, the economic crisis

and the coronavirus pandemic have put a huge

number of young people in the world on the brink of

survival. In recent years, not all countries have

managed to maintain stable employment of people of

different ages and especially young people, and in

some countries the unemployment rate has increased

sharply.

According to the age classification adopted by the

United Nations, the following age gradation is

defined for young people: from 18 to 44 years.

It should be noted that dividing of age periods is

conditional, since there are regional and country-

specific features for residents of different continents.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4413-441X

https://orcid.org//0000-0002-1362-0765

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5794-5342

In practices, the age classification is used to

develop the main directions of socio-economic and

demographic policy and the allocation of budget to

solve the problems of different age groups.

In our study, "young people" are graduates of

higher educational institutions, at the age from 21 to

25 years.

Institutional attitudes and public policies play a

significant role in young people integration into the

labour market. Several factors require taking into

account considering the differences in young people

integration into the labour market in different

countries. Firstly, it is demographic changes and

economic growth. Secondly, it is the relationship

between the dynamics and long-standing institutional

structures, in particular regulations affecting the

supply of temporary or permanent jobs, as well as

higher education and training policies (Quintini,

2007). Both general education and various forms of

vocational training, whether at university or in the

724

Kosharskaya, E., Lapshova, E. and Menshenina, S.

Higher Professional Education and Vocational Training based on Dual Educational Model: A Stable Factor in Differentiating Young People Position in the Labor Market.

DOI: 10.5220/0010596607240729

In Proceedings of the International Scientiﬁc and Practical Conference on Sustainable Development of Regional Infrastructure (ISSDRI 2021), pages 724-729

ISBN: 978-989-758-519-7

workplace, or a combination of both elements in a

dual training, are necessary prerequisites for young

people employment. Bringing education systems

closer to the needs of changing and developing labour

markets and economies can help young people

develop their career path.

The purpose of this study is to analyze higher

professional educational systems in different

countries, which makes a significant contribution to

clarify the model of training and young people

employment.

Research objectives:

 to analyse the main factors affecting young

people unemployment during integration into

the labour market;

 to study labour markets and the role of

professional education and vocational training

in different countries;

 to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of

dual educational model;

 to analyse dual educational model in Samara

Region.

2 MATERIALS AND METHODS

The analysis of young people integration into the

labour market requires a structure that would allow

understanding the main differences in time, as well as

longer-term inter-country differences.

To compare young people position in the labour

market we use standard indicators. However, it is

required to be careful comparing these indicators due

to a number of problems. First, according to the

International Labour Organization, due to limited

data, youth unemployment cannot be

comprehensively studied. Second, some indicators

may have different significance in a particular

context. Third, it should consider a combination of

different indicators.

According to the World Bank, the young people

unemployment has increase in recent years. For

instance, in some countries in Europe the

unemployment rate among this age group is currently

more than 20%.

To explain the differences in the integration of

young people in different countries, it is necessary to

consider the interaction of economic, demographic

and labour market institutions.

Empirical studies demonstrated that demographic

factors (the number of young people, and economic

demand) play an important role in young people

integration into the labour market (Korenman and

Newmark, Freeman, and Garcia, 2011).

Institutional factors effect on structuring young

people integration into the labour market, in

particular the minimum wage, the level of education

and vocational training (Gomez-Salvador and Leiner-

Killenger, 2008).

Thus, higher education and vocational training are

considered as the main factor determining the

probability of a successful integration into the labour

market. In some countries with a high proportion of

university graduates, unemployment may be the

result of a lack of education to meet the requirements

of the labour market.

The research was based on the principles of

integrity, consistency and historicism.

The research methods are a complex analysis,

structural-functional method, theoretical, empirical,

statistical methods and etc.

3 RESULTS

In the highly-developed countries the education

system involves a two-stage integration of young

people into the labour market. The first stage includes

training and education. The second stage is

integration into the labour market. There are some

differences in the types and forms of higher

professional education in different countries.

According to the UK Department of International

Development, there is a difference between the

training on specialization and degree of

formalization. Professional training is divided into

university training, dual system of training and on -

the-job training.

It is proved that practice-oriented-training is often

considered the best way to get well-paid jobs; there is

a risk that it will be poorly linked to the demand in the

labour market.

Dual educational model, which has gained

international recognition as a form of training,

combines work experience and professional training.

Financial cost of dual training is often divided

between the State and organizations. The purpose of

Dual educational model is to complement the rather

organization-specific technical skills acquired

through on-the-job training as a part of the curriculum

with general skills that can be passed on to employers

within the profession. The standards of professional

training in enterprises, as well as the harmonization

of skills taught in higher education institutions and in

the workplace, should also be ensured by cooperation

with employers, trade unions and educational

institutions.

Higher Professional Education and Vocational Training based on Dual Educational Model: A Stable Factor in Differentiating Young People

Position in the Labor Market

725

Higher professional education or professional

retraining is often carried out in training centres at the

level of post-compulsory higher or secondary

education.

On-the-job training allows young people integrate

into the labour market and it leads to become well-

paid specialists.

To sum up, dual educational model:

 develops the competencies that allow young

people to consciously choose the career path;

 improves the quality of graduates' training and

acquired skills;

 develops interaction between educational

organizations and enterprises by involving

them in the learning process;

 improves the level of professional training;

 reduces young people unemployment;

 improves the competitiveness not only of

graduates, but also faculties and the university

as a whole.

It should be noted, that in the field of dual

education in many countries little is still being done,

and companies do not often seek to offer internships

to young people.

The analysis of the dual educational model

revealed the advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of dual educational model:

 young people acquire professional skills;

 apprenticeship contributes to the formation of a

professional culture and work ethic;

 cooperation between companies and

educational organizations strengthens the

economy;

 the unemployment rate among young people is

decreasing;

Disadvantages of dual education:

 formal cooperation between organizations and

universities leads to inefficient training;

 students disinterest in working for low or no

pay as an intern;

 the propensity of companies to exploit interns.

The analysis of labour markets and the role and

type of higher professional education in various

countries of the world allowed coming to the

following conclusions: countries such as Austria,

Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, which support

a dual system of vocational training, demonstrate a

smoother young people integration into the labour

market and a lower unemployment rate among young

people than other countries.

In the United Kingdom and the United States there

is a gap between higher professional education, on the

one hand, and on-the-job training, on the other one. It

makes young people very vulnerable in the labour

market.

In Eastern Europe higher professional education

is predominant.

In Spain there is a division between different

market segments; higher professional education plays

a secondary role. It is difficult for young people with

low qualifications and academic training to find a

permanent job.

In Africa the proportion of young people with

higher education is increasing, but their integration

into the labour market is very problematic, as the

public sector is overcrowded, and the private sector is

not sufficiently developed. The existing higher

professional education is out-dated and disconnected

with the economy.

Latin American countries still do not have a stable

system of higher professional education. The demand

for skilled specialists in the informal sector is still

important.

Asia has a low unemployment rate among young

people. General education prevails; it leads to

informal employment and temporary work.

In Russia, mainly higher professional education

prevails. Professional training is still relevant. The

dual model of training is being implemented in

various regions and is a way of transition from

university education to professional activity and

provides young people with a relatively smooth

integration into the labour market to be done with the

involvement of employers.

Thus, the scope of professional training in higher

education institutions varies significantly from

country to country.

3.1 Dual Educational Model in Samara

Region

In the Russian Federation, the dual education model

is being implemented in a number of regions. Samara

region is among the regions that implement this

model of education. The success of the dual training

model in the Samara region is based on the use of the

material and technical base of enterprises.

During the period of practical training at partner

enterprises, bachelors consolidate the skills acquired

during the period of practical training at the university

in the chosen field of training.

Our study of the application of the dual

educational system in higher education institutions of

the Samara region, based on strengthening the

practical orientation of professional training of

bachelors, suggests that this system is an effective

ISSDRI 2021 - International Scientiﬁc and Practical Conference on Sustainable Development of Regional Infrastructure

726

technology for their training, contributing to young

people integration into the labour market.

The assessment of the effectiveness of integration

into the labour market was evaluated by university

graduates. The method of data collection is an

anonymous questionnaire survey of bachelor

graduates of Samara National Research University

named after Academician S.P. Korolev and Samara

State Technical University. It includes 340

respondents. The number of bachelor's degree

programs in the humanities and natural sciences is 18.

The average age of respondents is 20.2 years. The

survey was conducted in May – June, 2019.

Table 1: Participants of the survey.

University Interviewers

Samara Universit

215 17%

Samara State Technical

Universit

125 15%

The first indicator of the readiness of young

people integration into the labour market was

competitiveness, in terms of assessing the chances of

employment.

Table 2: Will your level of professional training allow you

to find a job in your specialty?

The quality of professional training will

allow me to get a good job

68%

There will be no choice with my quality of

rofessional trainin

15%

I will not need to look for a job, I will be

I will not be able to find a job due to the

oor quality of training

I don't know 7%

The survey revealed that about 15% of graduates

is quite sceptical about the level of their professional

training, believing that there will be no choice and is

ready to work "wherever they will be taken". 6% of

respondents assess their level of professional training

– unsatisfactory, and believe that they will not be able

to find a good job in their specialty. 7% - could not

assess the chances of employment in accordance with

their level of professional training. At the same time,

the majority of young people said that their level of

professional training would allow them to get a job

successfully and choose a good job.

The next stage of the survey was to identify the

difficulties that young people may face integrating

into the labour market.

Table 3: What difficulties can you face in employment in

your specialty?

There will be no problems with my

ment

25%

Lack of work ex

erience 58%

Lack of

obs 28%

Low level of salary 47%

High competition 18%

Poor working conditions 5%

Low level of

rofessional trainin

Lack of information about

employment opportunities

Need for Vocational trainin

12%

I don't know 7%

Most young people believe that they will have to

face difficulties in the employment process. 25% are

confident that they will have no problems getting a

job. Lack of work experience, low wages, and lack of

employment opportunities are highlighted as the main

difficulties that graduates expect to have searching for

the job. Only 12% of respondents are concerned

about the need for vocational training.

Then, we assessed the employment opportunities

in the chosen specialty.

Table 4: How do you assess the possibility of employment

in your specialty?

It is almost impossible to get a job in my

ecialt

It's hard to

et a

ob, but it's

ossible. 47%

I can easil

et a

ob in m

ecialt

42%

I have little information about job

ortunities

I don't know 6%

Other difficulties 1%

The analysis of the obtained data revealed that a

third of respondents believe that they will be able to

get a job in their specialty without any problems.

About 60 % are sure that they will face difficulties in

the process of employment in their specialty, but they

will still be able to find a job in their specialty.

The following survey aimed to identify the

awareness of young people about specific places of

employment and ways of finding a job.

Finally, we assessed the ways of employment.

Higher Professional Education and Vocational Training based on Dual Educational Model: A Stable Factor in Differentiating Young People

Position in the Labor Market

727

Table 5: How are you going to find a job in your specialty?

State Em

ment Service 17%

Private recruitment a

encies 12%

ecialized Internet sites 36%

I will ask for help from relatives and

friends

39%

In the company where I took an

internship

41%

I will ask for help from the staff of the

educational institution

17%

A comparative analysis of the data revealed that

one of the most popular ways to find a job is social

connections: relatives and friends. 39% of

respondents plan to use this way. Slightly below 36%

of respondents are going to use online job search

resources. About 15% of young people are planning

to apply to the state employment service and private

recruitment agencies. Employment at the place of

internship is the leading one.

Thus, the application of the dual educational

model, in the young people point of view, is effective,

promoting integration into the labour market.

4 DISCUSSIONS

Higher professional education and vocational training

systems can increase the employability of young

people and increase the chances of getting a stable job

in the private sector. They reduce risks by linking the

acquired skills to the current and expected demand of

the labour market. This can only work with the

systematic involvement of employers. Otherwise, it

risks becoming out-dated and unattractive for both

employers and young people.

While the dual system of vocational training

contributes to relatively smooth young people

integration into the labour market, international

experience demonstrates that attempts to implement

such schemes sometimes fail. Dual educational model

can be effective only if employers are engaged, as

well as systematic training based on modern training

programs. It requires the collaboration of employers

and educational institutions to develop training

programs.

Finally, informal learning and related traditional

forms of learning continue to be a basic form of

employment and training of young people in many

countries. Young people face to particular difficulties

when entering the labour market. In general, young

people are more vulnerable and they are more

exposed to economic fluctuations.

The survey of bachelor graduates in Samara

region demonstrates the dual educational model is an

effective way of integration into the labour market.

5 CONCLUSIONS

Higher professional education and vocational training

based on dual educational model is a stable factor in

differentiating young people position in the labor

market. It is usually associated with smoother young

people integration into the labour market and a low

level of their unemployment, which minimizes the

risk of negative consequences during career path in

the labour market.

The dual training model is a starting point for further

research on the differentiation of the position of

young people in the labour market. It needs to

develop a project management, productive and

efficient professional environment. In addition, it is

necessary to develop strategic planning for the

implementation of this model in different countries of

the world to reduce the unemployment rate among

young people with higher education, taking into

account institutional attitudes and public policies.

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